Head of high-end sex ring in Massachusetts, Virginia kept detailed records, prosecutors say
WORCESTER - New evidence was revealed in court documents Wednesday in the case against two of the three people accused of trafficking women and running brothels in Massachusetts and Virginia.
Investigators said ring leader Han Lee kept detailed records, which could be her undoing. They said Lee concealed $1 million in cash through various money transfers to hide the prostitution ring she was running out of Cambridge, Watertown, Dedham, and the Washington, D.C suburbs in Virginia.
"We're doing our talking through the court hearings and court papers," U.S. Attorney Josh Levy told reporters Wednesday at federal court in Worcester. He has been tight lipped the last two weeks since claiming the brothel had several high-end clients including politicians, doctors, professors, attorneys, military officers and government contractors.
What investigators found
Court documents filed Wednesday revealed that in their searches of the apartments used in the ring police discovered more than 16 cell phones, bulk condom packages, bulk lubricant, lingerie and pregnancy tests.
They also confiscated a Corvette they say defendant Junmyung Lee bought with his cash from the illegal job.
"I can tell you that he's a very nice man," Junmyung Lee's attorney John Amabile told reporters outside court Wednesday. He offered little new information about his client and claims he doesn't have the information everyone wants - the list of johns.
"I don't know any of the names. I don't know anything about it. So, I don't have that kind of information to provide," Amabile said.
How the brothel worked
Court documents also revealed these text messages about how the brothel worked.
"Always money first, money first."
"Turn on the TV in the living room. These days (sic) people work from home a lot."
"Please turn on the song while working."
"Don't go outside with heavy makeup."
"Keeping your word is keeping everyone safe."
"Never talk on the phone in the hallway of the apartment. Many Koreans live here too these days."
The court documents also revealed that federal investigators are looking into whether or not Han Lee lied on her immigration application and whether her marriage to an unnamed American man is legitimate.
3 in custody
Han Lee and Junmyung Lee agreed to a voluntary order of detention in a short court hearing Wednesday, which mean they will bot stay in jail for now.
The third person charged in the case, James Lee, was arrested in California and is being held in custody there.
